The Costa Coffee branch started pouring coffee at 7.30am and the manager, Vinnie King, said that between seven or eight punters had been through the doors by 8.45am.

When plans for the old toy shop began to brew in 2009 protests were launched against the scheme with around 100 small businesses signing a petition opposing the development.

Mr King shrugged off the opposition and told The Crow: “I think anything that can bring trade into Royston is a good thing. “The more trade and the more people come into the town the better it is for local business.

“We had the toy shop people in yesterday as well, and obviously they used to be here, and they were really impressed.”

The shop employs three full time staff and seven part time - with all of them living in-and-around Royston.

However activist Clive Porter, who collected signatures against the opening believes Costa will affect many local traders.

“I think there is concern because it is going to take a small percentage of trade away from coffee houses and business in the town,” he said.